The graduate program in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies at Carleton University paved the way to a challenging career at a Korean university. Many of the skills acquired during my graduate studies have now become indispensable in my daily duties as an assistant professor. In many ways working at a Korean university has proved to be a very rewarding experience. In addition to teaching compulsory credit courses under the umbrella of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), the position offers a variety of intriguing professional development opportunities that keep me connected to research and pedagogy. One of the more significant aspects of my work experience thus far, has been the undertaking of an empirical study aimed at stimulating further critical analysis of using English as a foreign language in Korean University classrooms. With English as the preferred medium of international communication and research, many universities in Korea offer courses that are taught entirely in English. This has resulted in the implementation of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in content – based courses in which the students are not native speakers. Not surprisingly, the motivation of students that enroll in EMI courses is also an important factor in its overall acceptance and educational value. The effectiveness and overall success of EMI as a pedagogical method are currently actively studied mediums because the results help structure its use according to the characteristics of the various disciplines that implement it. Both my teaching career and research have put me squarely in the middle of this new and exciting situation and my previous experience as a graduate student has been instrumental in how I engage this important subject. I enjoy what I do because the fruits of my labor are contributing to the field of linguistics, developing practical pedagogical methods, and expanding the future goals of my students.
(Last updated: November 1, 2013)